Ghana announce 26 man World Cup squad - Michael Essien and Boateng in

Ghana’s squad for World Cup 2014 has been announced

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah announced his 26 man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Monday. The squad will be cut down to 23 following their friendly against Holland on May 31.

The squad boasts a string of international players with reserve goalkeeper Steven Adams being the only one playing in Ghana. Most of the other players are based in Europe. Captain Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Sulley Muntari are set to play in their 3rd consecutive World Cup. Former captain John Mensah was left out of the squad in favor of former Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien. Schalke’s Kevin-Prince Boateng, who scored the goal that led to Ghana’s qualification also made the cut.

Ghana have a very slim chance of progressing from the group stages as their group consists of Portugal, Germany and USA. They open their World Cup campaign on June 16 when they face USA in Natal.

Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey, Fatau Dauda, Stephen Adams

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, Harrison Afful, Jeffrey Schullp, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Jerry Akaminko, Rashid Sumaila

Midfielders: Michael Essien, Rabiu Mohammed, Agyemang Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari, Albert Adomah, Wakasu Mubarak, Christian Atsu, David Accam, André Ayew, Afriyie Acquah

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan, Kevin Prince Boateng, Abdul Majeed Waris, Jordan Ayew

Who is in and who is out? check @ghanafaofficial as 26-man squad named for @FIFAWorldCup http://t.co/c2NaSKm6Ax

— Ghana FA Official (@ghanafaofficial) May 12, 2014